What to Expect at Your First Workers' Comp Visit

Unfortunately, you don’t just get to kick your feet up and recuperate when you get hurt on the job. You must take certain important steps to protect yourself, including seeing a doctor specializing in workers’ compensation. 

Dr. Nikhil Pandhi is one such doctor. He serves as an independent medical examiner to evaluate virtually every type of workplace injury. Our team has years of experience handling workers’ compensation cases, big and small, and we’re committed to providing accurate, efficient care to give you the best chance of getting full benefits.

Our team also knows how overwhelming this process can be, so we’re covering the basics of the workers’ compensation visit in this blog.

Why workers’ compensation is necessary

Going through the workers’ compensation process may seem like more trouble than it’s worth, but without this government-mandated program, you simply won’t get the care and monetary benefits you deserve. 

Also, workers’ compensation compels employers to do their best to make sure worksites are as safe as possible. 

We hope you never need workers’ compensation service, but you may need to file a case if your workplace injury requires you to:

• Go to the emergency room 
• See your primary care physician 
• Take time off work
• File for disability
• Visit multiple specialists

Workplace injuries are usually more than scratches or bruises — they often require intensive, long-term care, and it all starts with seeing Dr. Pandhi for an evaluation. 

Here’s what to expect. 

A closer look at your appointment

First and foremost, when you schedule your appointment, request a workers’ compensation appointment with Dr. Pandhi so that our staff can ensure that you and Dr. Pandhi have everything you need to complete your evaluation when you arrive. 

Bring with you any paperwork your lawyer or employer has required or requested you fill out. 

During your appointment, you can expect someone on our team to take your vitals and ask you some basic questions about your medical history. This first part may feel more like a routine medical exam. 

When Dr. Pandhi comes to see you, he asks more detailed questions about your medical history, occupation, and injury. Tell us everything about your injury, so we can get a complete picture of what happened. 

We also need to know exactly what your symptoms are, how much pain you’re experiencing, and what you’ve already tried to relieve pain. Now isn’t the time to be tough and pretend your injury is less than it is — and vice versa. 

Next, he performs a physical exam and a visual assessment of your injury. 

If we need more information, we may order imaging tests, such as an X-ray or computed tomography (CT) scan. Don’t worry; you won’t have to make another appointment for those. We can perform routine imaging tests on-site. 

After the exam, Dr. Pandhi makes a detailed report of his findings and recommendations. This information helps determine how much workers’ compensation coverage your injury warrants. 

Beyond your first appointment

Dr. Pandhi likely won’t be the doctor who treats your injury, but he can make specific treatment recommendations based on his findings and your discussion with him. 

After your evaluation with Dr. Pandhi, you should seek the care you need as soon as possible and document every interaction with your primary care physician, specialist, or provider of your employer’s choosing. The more information your lawyer and employer have, the more likely you’ll get the full benefits to which you’re entitled. 

Getting hurt on the job can bring life to a grinding halt. However, if you take the appropriate steps, you’ll be back on your feet and back to work in no time. 

If you need to see an independent medical examiner for your workplace injury, call or click to schedule a consultation with Dr. Pandhi today.